Reviews

THE GRASCALS STRAIGHTEN THE CURVES Mountain Home 17582 The Grascals released their first recording in 2005. Now, 15 years later, the band’s sound remains intact, notwithstanding the personnel changes that come with a band having this much seniority. This recording includes founding members Terry Smith on bass and vocals, Danny Roberts on mandolin, and Kristin…

NOTHIN’ FANCY UNDENIABLE Mountain Fever MFR191011 The music on Undeniable, Nothin’ Fancy’s 16th album (which marks the band’s 25th anniversary) reaches out and grabs you like a firm, friendly handshake. This five-man outfit—Mike Andes (mandolin and vocals), Caleb Cox (guitar and vocals), James Cox (bass), Jacob Flick (banjo), and Chris Sexton (fiddle, vocals, cello, and viola)—has…

AUDIE BLAYLOCK AND REDLINE ORIGINALIST 615 Hideaway Records HID 575 If you’ve heard Audie Blaylock before, you know what to expect on his latest album Originalist. Blaylock is well-known for straight-ahead, hard-driving bluegrass, and he again delivers. Five of the twelve songs here were written by bassist Reed Jones, including the instrumental “Huckleberry’s Hope” on which…

THE CHURCHMEN A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB Morning Glory Music MGM190802 The Churchmen are celebrating 30 years as a gospel bluegrass band. This project is an excellent way to mark that milestone and bring their album count to ten. The band has formed a solid foundation with recent additions of Jay Adams on guitar and vocals…

STEEP CANYON RANGERS NORTH CAROLINA SONGBOOK Yep Roc Records YEP2667 I happened to be at MerleFest in 2019 and was able to take in this special set the Steep Canyon Rangers recorded that afternoon. The theme of the day for the bluegrass and newgrass stalwarts was to celebrate the history of the music of the…

JOE HOTT WEST VIRGINIA RAIL Rural Rhythm RUR-1148 This young singer shows much promise in his attempt to pay homage to the Stanley sound. He is surrounded by great musicians who make him sound authentic in a time when bluegrass is moving further from its rural roots. An all-star cast includes Dennis Crouch on bass,…